what is one freedom that American democracy has today that was clearly not recognized in the Roman Empire
The right of women to vote.
One freedom that American democracy has today that was clearly not recognized in the Roman Empire is the principle of religious freedom. In the Roman Empire, religion was an integral part of the state, and the Romans expected adherence to their official state religion. They viewed other religions and religious practices as a threat to their stability and unity.
To understand this difference, we can look at historical records and writings from both societies. This requires studying primary sources such as ancient Roman laws and documents, as well as American founding documents and legal precedents.
To delve deeper into this subject, one can explore Roman legal codes, such as the Codex Theodosianus and the Codex Justinianus, which reveal the Roman state's strict control over religion. Additionally, examining ancient Roman literary works, like Tacitus' "Annals" or "Histories," as well as the works of Roman historians such as Suetonius or Livy, can provide insights into the Roman perspective on religious practices.
To understand American democracy and its recognition of religious freedom, it is crucial to study primary documents, such as the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. The writings of the American Founding Fathers, including James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington, provide further context. Exploring court cases, such as Everson v. Board of Education and Lemon v. Kurtzman, can illuminate the legal interpretations and the development of this freedom over time.
By comparing and contrasting these sources and considering the historical context, we can observe that the principle of religious freedom in American democracy is a significant departure from the Roman Empire's approach to religion.